Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS)

• Subject Area: Process Engineering, Technical Chemistry
• Term: Funded in 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 455115343

Self-assembled structures are of substantial interest in the context of both synthetic and natural materials as they lead to functional systems with defined nanostructure. Recently the efforts are directed towards programming the time domain of self-assemblies under non-equilibrium conditions to create life-like (bioinspired) materials. The most fundamental task in this context is devoted to the understanding of their structure-property relationship. Small Angle X-ray Scattering is taking the lead in relating the nanostructures to the material functions. The Chair of Macromolecular Materials and Systems at RWTH Aachen University is home to numerous research projects in biochemistry and material science, but currently there are no state-of-the-art Small Angle X-ray Scattering user facilities to support the team. The objective of this proposal is to acquire a Small Angle X-ray Scattering instrument to provide the materials research community in the Aachen area with direct access to in-situ Small Angle X-ray Scattering characterization for a broad range of sample types. The proposed system will be installed in the laboratories of the Chair of Macromolecular Materials and Systems at the Institute for Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry and will be available to a broad academic user base. While complementary to the existing structural analysis methods, SAXS fills an important gap in the state-of-the-art materials characterization facilities and enabling the growth of research and education of a diverse group of students in chemistry, nanomaterials, and biophysical sciences.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Röntgen-Kleinwinkelstreuung (SAXS)
• Instrumentation Group: 4020 Röntgenkameras für Feinstruktur und Topographie
• Applicant Institution: Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen
• Leader: Professor Dr. Andreas Herrmann